($997) Movers From New York to Chicago

Quick answer: The cost to move from New York to Chicago, IL averages from $597 to $4,849 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a professional New York moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Chicago, IL to New York guide.

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Moving from New York to Chicago, IL resources

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move from New York to Chicago, IL.

But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

  • Best New York to Chicago, IL movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company be sure to check out our list of the top movers from New York to Chicago, IL.
  • How much will your move cost?: Want to narrow down how much your move will cost? Use our moving cost calculator to get more specific price ranges and recommendations on the best companies to use for your move.
  • Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
  • New York to Chicago, IL car shippers: Moving your car? Use an experienced company that prioritizes professionalism and cares for your vehicle.

Moving 790 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best New York to Chicago, IL moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company from New York to Chicago is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving New York to Chicago.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here our our recommended services for small moves.

What is the average cost to move from New York to Chicago, IL?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from New York to Chicago for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Size of the Move Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $997 - $3,800 $795 - $1,854 $569 - $1,040
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,065 - $4,849 $1,403 - $2,786 $597 - $1,223
4+ bedrooms $3,708 - $6,792 $1,826 - $3,740 $762 - $1,589

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 790 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from New York to Chicago, IL will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in New York, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire professional movers from New York to Chicago?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from New York to Chicago will cost between $997 to $3,800. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from New York to Chicago will range from $2,065 to $4,849, and a large move from New York to Chicago will cost from $3,708 to $6,792.

How much are moving containers like PODS from New York to Chicago?

Moving containers from New York to Chicago will cost you $795 to $1,854 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,403 to $2,786. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,826 to $3,740.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move to Chicago.

How much is a moving truck from New York to Chicago?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option for moving from New York to Chicago, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $569 to $1,040. A larger move will cost $597 to $1,223, and a four-bedroom or more move from New York to Chicago costs from $762 to $1,589. These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Here are the cheapest rental truck companies for your move from New York.

Is moving from New York to Chicago, IL a good idea?

Cost of living: New York vs Chicago, IL

New York Chicago
Average rent cost $1,507 $1,595
Average home value $482,742 $306,098
Average income (per capita) $81,386 $65,601
Unemployment rate 4% 9%
State income tax 11% 5%
  • Rent is about 6% more expensive in Chicago than in New York.
  • Home prices are about 37% lower in Chicago than in New York.
  • The average income is about 19% lower in Chicago than in New York.
  • Chicago has a higher unemployment rate than New York by about 105%.
  • Income taxes are 55% lower in Chicago than in New York.

How is life different in Chicago from New York?

Chicago New York
Population 2,746,388 19,571,216
Political leaning Democrat 74-24 Democratic 60-40
Summer high 84ºF 81ºF
Winter low 19ºF 16ºF
Annual rain 38" 44"
Annual snow 35" 62"
Crime index 35.19 21.51
  • The population of Chicago is approximately 86% lower than the population of New York.
  • In the last presidential election, Chicago voted Democrat and New York voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Chicago is 84ºF and in New York, it’s 81ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Chicago reaches the temperature of 19ºF and New York gets down to 16ºF.
  • You can expect about 38 inches of annual rainfall in Chicago vs 44 inches of rainfall in New York.
  • In Chicago, it snows about 35 inches annually vs 62 inches of snow in New York.
  • Chicago has a higher crime rate than New York with a crime index of 35.19 vs 21.51.

Considerations for moving to Chicago, IL

  • Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Illinois. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local New York movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Mabey's Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
515 Third Avenue Extension, Rensselaer, NY, 12144
(518) 283-0017
Wayfinder Moving Services Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
75 Comet Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14216
(716) 832-6683

Visit our best movers in New York page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Comparing the pros of New York vs. Chicago, IL:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in New York vs Chicago side-by-side.

Pros of living in New York Pros of living in Chicago, IL
Natural beauty Bountiful arts and recreational activities
Arts Delicious food
Ample economic opportunity Abundant entertainment
Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities Intense sports culture
Distinct seasons Ample economic opportunity

Comparing the cons of living in New York vs. Chicago, IL:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving New York for Chicago.

Cons of living in New York Cons of living in Chicago, IL
High tax burden High crime rate
Rough winter weather Temperamental weather
High cost of living Terrible traffic
Poor quality healthcare High taxes
Populous Pollution

Need a local Chicago mover?

Company Quote Rating Contact
H2H Movers Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL, 60613
(773) 236-8797
New City Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618
(773) 489-0600

Visit our best movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Chicago?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Chicago.

Museums in Chicago

  • The Field Museum
  • Shedd Aquarium
  • Art Institute of Chicago
  • Chicago History Museum
  • Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Museum of Contemporary Photography
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Smart Museum of Art
  • The Oriental Institute Museum
  • Adler Planetarium
  • DuSable Museum of African American History
  • The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
  • National Museum of Mexican Art

Parks in Chicago

  • Millennium Park
  • Grant Park
  • The 606
  • Lincoln Park
  • Garfield Park
  • Jackson Park
  • Maggie Daley Park
  • South Shore Cultural Center Park
  • Humboldt Park
  • Douglass Park

Sports Teams in Chicago

  • Chicago Bears (NFL)
  • Chicago Cubs (MLB)
  • Chicago White Sox (MLB)
  • Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
  • Chicago Bulls (NBA)
  • Chicago Fire (MLS)
  • Chicago Sky (WNBA)

Universities in Chicago

  • Chicago State University
  • Governors State University
  • Northeastern Illinois University
  • Northern Illinois University
  • University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Aurora University
  • Benedictine University
  • Concordia University Chicago
  • DePaul University
  • Dominican University
  • East–West University
  • Elmhurst University
  • Illinois Institute of Technology
  • Judson University
  • Kendall College
  • Lewis University
  • Loyola University Chicago
  • Midwestern University
  • National Louis University
  • National University of Health Sciences
  • North Park University
  • Northwestern University
  • Resurrection University
  • Roosevelt University
  • Saint Xavier University
  • Trinity International University
  • University of Chicago
  • University of St. Francis
  • University of Saint Mary of the Lake

FAQs

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from New York to Chicago?

Because of the 790-mile move, it’s best to book your move from New York to Chicago as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Chicago, IL?

With the summer highs of 84ºF and the winter lows of 19ºF, most people move to Chicago from New York during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Chicago during summer or winter.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Chicago?

Check out our full breakdown of the best long-distance movers in Chicago.

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